From the Bay to the Beehive December 2019

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge our terrible Whakaari/White Island tragedy. My family and I would like to give condolences to all those families who will be hurting so deeply. I would also like to give a very special acknowledgement to those first responders who sped to save and rescue. So courageous, demonstrating the best of us. Also our community reaches out to Whakatane. Your Whakaari/White Island is as precious to you as Mauao is to us, so we understand how deeply you will be feeling this.

As we come to the end of another year it’s time to look forward to some reflection and relaxation. I’m looking forward to spending quality time with my family over the summer break, something I’ve had a bit less of over 2019 since being appointed the Opposition Spokesperson for Agriculture, Biosecurity, Forestry and Food Safety. While significant national issues, these portfolio responsibilities are also key to local industries in the Bay of Plenty. I’ve had hundreds of conversations with farmers, exporters, growers and producers over the last eight months and I continue to be impressed by our primary sector’s tenacity, resilience and innovation at a time when they are feeling unsupported by the Government. It is an honour to be their advocate while representing my Bay of Plenty constituents in Parliament.

The Bay is a popular holiday spot for many Kiwis to unwind on our beaches and in our region’s excellent restaurants and cafes. Our camp grounds, motels and baches will be preparing for the thousands of holiday makers who come for the warm weather and the even warmer welcome of the Bay.

From my family to yours, best wishes for a merry Christmas and a safe summer holiday. Until next time,

Kind regards

Todd MullerMP for Bay of Plenty

Papamoa Santa Parade

There is nothing like being in a Christmas Parade to get your festive mood going. This year my team and I had a lot of fun meeting members of the community along the streets. This year’s Santa Parade drew close to 15,000 people. I just love being involved in these community events and seeing everyone come together.

Papamoa Markets

Every second and fourth Sunday I hold a stand at the local Lions Market where members of the community can bring any issues they may have to me or my team. This is also a great opportunity for people to connect and share their perspectives of where they think we are heading as a country and what they think our local and national priorities should be.

School Show Days

This year I was able to pop into some of our local school Show Days. Being the local MP and the Opposition Spokesperson for Agriculture it was a privilege supporting the rural community on such a beautiful day. These cannot take place without a lot of planning and hard work from parents and teachers who I am sure are looking forward to the summer break ahead.

Papamoa Residents and Ratepayers Assn

Recently I went to speak to a large group of locals at the Papamoa Residents and Ratepayers Association. There were robust conversations, great questions and feedback to help me represent the community as best as I can. Papamoa Residents and Ratepayers Association do a superb job!

Agriculture

Recently my colleagues and I joined the hundreds of farmers who arrived at Parliament to express how disillusioned they are with this Government’s anti-farming policies.

One of the major concerns voiced was the many hectares of pastoral farmland being converted to pine trees. Farmers’ confidence is at all-time lows.

As well as grappling with the effect of land use changes they’ve put up with a plethora of Government policies and proposals that have only added to uncertainty around the future of their businesses.

Zero Carbon Bill

National voted for the Zero Carbon Bill but are committed to making significant amendments in our first 100 days in Government to ensure New Zealand has a methane reduction target that is fair for our farming families and doesn't put our economy at risk. Please watch this clip to hear me speak directly to the Bill at the final reading.

Bay of Plenty Focus Group

We have just a few spots left to fill on my electorate focus group so this is your chance to have your views counted. Join up here to answer questions that I will put to you over the coming year by text message.